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11 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds (LGD): Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Kristin Hitchcock

By Kristin Hitchcock

kangal dog guarding livestock

Whether you have livestock or not, a livestock guardian dog can make a great addition to your family. They are often protective but calm. Most are large canines since they were traditionally used to protect livestock from bigger predators like wolves and bears.

As you might expect, guardian dogs generally have similar traits and characteristics. However, each has unique needs and temperaments. It’s essential to understand the specifics of each breed before you consider adopting one.

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Top 11 Livestock Guardian Dog Breeds

1. Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Anatolian Shepherd Dog
Photo Credit: GLady, Pixabay
Origin: Turkey, specifically the Anatolian region
Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
Height: 28 to 32 inches

This impressive livestock guardian dog originated from Turkey. Anatolian Shepherds once protected farm animals from large predators, including bears. They were traditionally used to guard all livestock, including sheep, goats, and cattle.

They aren’t nearly as common today as some other breeds. However, their protective temperament and independent mind play a prominent role in their lack of popularity. Still, the Anatolian Shepherd is one of the best guardian dogs around.


2. Great Pyrenees

Great Pyrenees dog standing at by the beach
Image Credit: everydoghasastory, Shutterstock
Origin: Pyrenees Mountains (on the border between France and Spain)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 25 to 32 inches

You’ve probably heard of or even seen the Great Pyrenees. These massive dogs hail from the Pyrenees Mountains of France and Spain and are still used today to guard livestock. Their thick, weather-proof coats allow them to stay outside in harsh conditions, and their gentle nature makes them a good fit for families.

Great Pyrenees have a very calm demeanor, which sets them apart from other livestock guardian dogs. They’re also known for their thick, white coats, which help them blend in with sheep.


3. Komondor

Komondor
Image credit: Marcel Jancovic, Shutterstock
Origin: Hungary
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 25.5 to 27.5 inches

The Komondor is a Hungarian breed with a unique corded coat, making them easy to identify. Their coat resembles dreadlocks when properly groomed. While their coat may require a lot of work to maintain, they are dedicated guardians known for their courage.

Although they are not seen as often in the US, they are still a common dog in their home region.


4. Maremma Sheepdog

Maremma Sheepdog walking on grass
Image Credit: Degtyaryov Andrey, Shutterstock
Origin: Italy, particularly the Maremma region
Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
Height: 24 to 29 inches

Maremma Sheepdogs originated from Italy and are often employed to protect sheep from predators. They are characterized by their fluffy white coat and are known for their calm and confident demeanor. Their coat probably played a similar role to the Great Pyrenees’s coat by helping them blend in with sheep.

Maremma Sheepdogs are incredibly protective and form strong bonds with their flock. They can also bond strongly with their family if kept as companion animals. However, they are far more protective than other dogs on this list, which can make them harder to control.


5. Kuvasz

Kuvasz sitting in the snow
Image Credit: Lipatova Maryna, Shutterstock
Origin: Hungary
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 26 to 30 inches

We’ll forgive you if you’ve never heard of the Kuvasz. This interesting breed originated from Hungary and is known for their intelligence. They were bred to guard livestock and make split-second decisions on their own, so they tend to be very independently minded.. They don’t take well to training, as you might expect.

Kuvasz dogs can be gentle with their family but are often aloof and untrusting of strangers.


6. Tibetan Mastiff

tibetan mastiff dog standing outdoor
Image Credit: Sergey Lavrentev_Shutterstock
Origin: Tibet
Lifespan: 10 to 14 years
Height: 24 to 26 inches

The Tibetan Mastiff is one of the few livestock guardian dogs commonly kept as a companion animal today. They come from the Himalayan region, particularly around Tibet. These powerful, majestic dogs have a strong protective instinct and are known to fight off very large predators, including snow leopards and wolves.

They’re loyal to their families and tend to be more independent. However, they can make good family pets for the right owners.


7. Spanish Mastiff

spanish mastiff
Image Credit: LFRabanedo, Shutterstock
Origin: Spain
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 28 to 35 inches

Mastiffs are known for their protective instincts, and the Spanish Mastiff is no different. They are one of the largest and heaviest dog breeds, from Spain. Their presence scares off many predators, but they are calm and gentle. Today, Spanish Mastiffs are often bred for their calm attitude, which makes them beloved companions.

Despite being laid back, they are incredibly territorial. Therefore, they do best in one-dog households and may not do well with strangers entering their space.


8. Kangal

Kangal
Image Credit: Marry Kolesnik, Shutterstock
Origin: Turkey, particularly the Sivas region
Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Height: 28 to 34 inches

Kangal dogs are native to Turkey. Unlike most other livestock guardian dogs, they are known for their agility. They’re also very courageous, allowing them to protect their charges from massive predators. They’re a popular choice among Turkish shepherds to this day. Kangals are also loyal and adaptable to many climates.


9. Akbash Dog

akbash dog standing outdoors
Image Credit: bektasaydogan, Shutterstock
Origin: Turkey
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 28 to 34 inches

Also originating from Turkey, the Akbash dogs are determined and independent livestock guardians. They bond closely with their owners and skillfully protect farm animals. Their white coat looks very similar to many other guardian dogs.

Akbash dogs are very effective protectors. However, they can be a bit too independent and protective for most modern families. It’s important to know what you’re getting before you adopt one of these dogs.


10. Sarplaninac

Sarplaninac dog breed
Image Credit: OgnjenO, Shutterstock
Origin: The Balkans (with their name derived from the Šar Mountains in the former Yugoslavia)
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 22 to 24 inches

Also called the Yugoslavian Shepherd Dog, this canine comes from the Balkan region. Like most livestock guardian dogs, they protected many kinds of livestock, such as wolves and bears. As you might imagine, they are very large and imposing. Sometimes, their presence alone was enough to keep predators away.

They’re very courageous and extremely territorial. Their protective instincts are some of the strongest, which is one reason they never become popular companion animals.


11. Polish Tatra Sheepdogs

Polish Tatra Sheepdog
Image Credit: PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek, Shutterstock
Origin: Poland
Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
Height: 24 to 30 inches

This Polish breed has a thick, white coat that resembles that of many other livestock guardian dogs. They are known for their excellent guarding abilities while still being calm and patient. They can be fierce when necessary, however. They are sometimes kept as companion animals, but they’re still rare outside of their home range.

Tatra Sheepdogs were originally bred to live in mountainous, rugged climates. Therefore, they are very adaptable and able to withstand tougher weather conditions.

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Conclusion

There are just about as many livestock guardian breeds as there are regions on the planet. Dogs have proved to be very effective livestock protectors, and many cultures developed their breeds to help them protect their goats, cattle, and sheep. Some dogs are common companion animals today, while others are still obscure and primarily found in their region of origin.


Featured Image Credit: Bobby Bradley, Shutterstock

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